BATAC, Ilocos Norte—The Philippines’ first Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center (Coaster) was launched on January 19.
Housed in Mariano Marcos State University-Main Campus (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Coaster is a project of MMSU and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
It is in partnership with the Kyoto University of Japan, University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, and other higher education institutions in Region 1.
The center aims to protect resources and the coastal communities from coastal erosion and flooding through effective implementation of science and technology (S&T)-based coastal management.
The coastal engineering program will be involved in developing innovations to combat coastal erosion, prototype of coastal flood-control infrastructure, data book of flood control structures, and coastal engineering design and guidelines handbook to promote coastal resilience.
Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said, “The DOST continues to offer S&T interventions that are anchored on four thematic areas: Wealth creation, through economic development and job creation; wealth protection, through climate and disaster resilience; human well-being, through health, education, access to water and energy; and sustainability, by ensuring protection and conservation of natural resources.”
Solidum congratulated the research team behind the Coaster, led by program leader, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, for coming up with an innovative approach toward solutions to the threats of coastal erosion in the Ilocos region.
“As a staunch advocate of disaster risk reduction and management, I enjoin everyone to take part in these efforts and support the initiatives of DOST, MMSU and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. Rest assured that the DOST remains committed to serving the Filipino people through S&T,” Solidum said.
Alibuyog said the establishment of Coaster is in line with DOST strategic framework, particularly with its long-term vision to provide innovative solutions that will lead to higher productivity and better quality of life, especially in coastal communities.
Region 1 has the nation’s longest shoreline, at 708km, which is vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis.
In the past years, the region experienced high failure in coastal flood-control structures, such as sea walls.
This could be attributed to the yearly occurrence of extreme typhoons, and the normal tear and wear of infrastructure projects.
Thus, the need to establish the first wave flume testing facility in the country where Coaster will find ways to improve the design and implementation of the country’s coastal infrastructure.
Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) also expressed his support for this milestone.
“The Council has high hopes for the future projects of Coaster. We anticipate that more coastal communities will be empowered to use the technologies and innovations of Coaster once they become familiar with the programs, technologies, and resources that this research center provides,” Paringit said.
The heads of various agencies, as well as provincial and local governments in Region I expressed support for Coaster.
DOST funded the facility through its Science for Change Program-Niche Center in the Regions program and monitored by DOST-PCIEERD.
Image credits: DOST-PCIEERD